I have been thinking of ... (input requested)

[pmhoran]

Hi ...

This is kind of an "off shoot thread" to ...
I don't understand how some businesses can post ....

A number of years ago I was offering my abilities as a web site "proofreader" to members of a forum I was then a member of. Just for business sites with maximum of a dozen or so pages. I would do this free of charge and felt I came uniquely equipped for such a task because I have a Business Admin degree with majors in Marketing, Communications & Accounting and was (before I became disabled) for years the COO of a multi million $$$ company. So other members would approach me ... I would proofread their sites as well as offer suggestions for "rewrites" on pages I felt could stand improvement.

Unfortunately, "that" which disables me also adversely affects my mental abilities ... so my ability to provide a proofreading service is somewhat inconsistent these days. I go through periods where my brain isn't exactly firing on all cylinders ... and these periods can last for just a few days to a few months. During those times ... usually any ability I might have to proofread is totally gone ... and forget about rewrite suggestions But then I go for weeks or months where things are relatively okay in the thought processes. And its during those times I find myself needing something to fill my time ... even though I am not as "bright" as I once was (in the past 12 years my IQ has dropped from 172 to 118 ... not fun )

The input I would like to hear is ... Do you think I should offer the same sort of free proofreading service here to other members? Do you think most members would accept the fact that there would be times my brain just would not allow me to do it? Or should I just keep my mouth shut and let others who want to make money doing the same thing offer the service?

Any and all input gratefully accepted
Take care
Peter

 

[Exon]

Yes. Yes. Only if you don't feel up to it.

But if you had a PayPal link I would be willing to send a "donation" for your time in proofreading my site as you should be paid for your time.

The input I would like to hear is ... Do you think I should offer the same sort of free proofreading service here to other members? Do you think most members would accept the fact that there would be times my brain just would not allow me to do it? Or should I just keep my mouth shut and let others who want to make money doing the same thing offer the service?

 

[pmhoran]

But if you had a PayPal link I would be willing to send a "donation" for your time in proofreading my site as you should be paid for your time.

But ... there in lies the problem. I certainly would not mind making some extra $$. Trouble is, I exist on a disability pension and if the government (Canadian) got wind that I was earning extra $$$ (whether as a donation or actual charge) ... not only would they yank my pension so fast it would give me whiplash but I would also lose my provincial benefits which covers my medications. The pension I might be able to live without if I lost it ... but the provincial government currently pays about $4000 a month for my medications ... which I would never be able to earn enough now to pay for on my own.

So I would have to make sure I do not receive any compensation. Thats the main reason why I provide friends with their web space at no charge. Even the pitence each might contribute to help pay for my reseller account (I like all the bells & whistles on my web space ) would cause the government to cancel my pension. I know ... its stupid. But stupidity in government is not just limited to a few select countries It seems rampant in most

Thanks for the input
Peter

 

[Exon]

I see. Well, chat with me on AIM: ComputerExon - and tell me what I need to fix on my site. I would appreciate it when you have the time!

 

[pmhoran]

I see. Well, chat with me on AIM: ComputerExon - and tell me what I need to fix on my site. I would appreciate it when you have the time!

There in lies another problem for me I can handle forums, PM's & emails ... but chat programs shut my brain down real quick. The docs figure the chat programs just force my brain to work faster than it wants to these days ... so after a couple sentences my brain goes TILT TILT ... and it takes a few days for it to "reset" itself Life has become such a joy

But I will PM you and ask for your website URL(s) ... and I would be happy to read them over and see what suggestions I can come up with

Thanks
Peter

 

[Exon]

I appreciate it Peter!

 

[ldcdc]

Trouble is, I exist on a disability pension and if the government (Canadian) got wind that I was earning extra $$$ (whether as a donation or actual charge)

Cash in an envelope.

Also I suppose you're allowed to receive gifts in a certain limit per year...

the past 12 years my IQ has dropped from 172 to 118 ... not fun

Wow! That must be really tough!

 

[Artashes]

Peter, sorry to hear about your situation, but I'm not really sure why you would like us to provide you with an answer or a vote of confidence on whether you should provide the service. From my personal perspective, government problems aside, I would have said yes - certainly provide the service, just set up safer time frames for the work to get done and don't take too many clients at once. Since you have complications with the government if they were to find out you are having extra revenue from working, then I would suggest you not to get yourself in trouble this way. $4000 worth of medical bills isn't worth losing.

Best,

 

[Exon]

ldcdc is right, you should be able to receive x amount of cash in gifts per year. And next time I'm in Canada I could always buy lunch.

 

[pmhoran]

I guess I got off on an unnecessary tangent from my original post. Sorry about that

I guess I was actually just trying to make sure that if I posted something about offering a somewhat inconsistent free service under the Products/Services Offered or Requested (or whatever it is called) section ... that no one would get peed off at me.

And I am somewhat embarrassed that I (for some odd reason) chose to disclose more info about me than I maybe should have ... and probably more than any of you ever wanted to know. I am normally more "closed mouthed" about my personal situation. Guess I can add a new middle name ... "faux pas". Again ... sorry about that. Lets just blame it on "brain farts"

Take care
Peter

 

[ldcdc]

Peter, a free service generally comes with no guarantee. Provide it on an "as is" basis, just like free hosting is provided.

As long as you clearly state the terms in your offer I see no reason why we (the moderators) would frown at it.

And I am somewhat embarrassed that I (for some odd reason) chose to disclose more info about me than I maybe should have ...

You have no reason to be embarased Peter. I appreciate that you're so open with us and I'm sure the other do as well.

 

[pmhoran]

Peter, a free service generally comes with no guarantee. Provide it on an "as is" basis, just like free hosting is provided.

As long as you clearly state the terms in your offer I see no reason why we (the moderators) would frown at it..

Okay ... sounds good ... Thank you

You have no reason to be embarased Peter. I appreciate that you're so open with us and I'm sure the other do as well.

Well ... as they say ... there is a time and place for everything. Although it may have been the time (because I felt, for some strange reason, that an explanation was required) this was definitely not the place. My only excuse is that in recent years the only forums I have been a member of have been "support group" type forums where its commonplace and expected to "bare" ones self. On HD ... I will just have to keep a closer check on what I divulge and try to stay on topic Hopefully my endeavours to that end will keep myself and potentially any members who read the posts from going to a possible "uncomfortable" place If you know what I mean

Take care
Peter